The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the world's largest sports medicine and exercise organization, rang the closing bell at the NASDAQ stock market last week (Wednesday, May 6), using the international platform to promote the health benefits of physical activity, especially for businesses and employers in the U.S. and worldwide.

As one of the world leaders in the science and medical aspects of health promotion and disease prevention related to physical activity, a delegation of ACSM health experts participated in the closing bell ceremony in New York City and addressed corporate leaders gathered at NASDAQ and worldwide through business media coverage of the event. Remarks by ACSM President Mindy Millard-Stafford, Ph.D., FACSM focused on the profound health benefits of physical activity, as well as ACSM's commitment to improving health in order to contribute to stronger economies and countries worldwide.

ACSM also used the opportunity to introduce to a new audience Exercise is Medicine TM (EIM), an international public health program which calls for exercise to be a standard part of health care. EIM encourages the public and patients to speak with their doctors about an appropriate level of exercise, plan their exercise regimen, track it and stick to it. (Watch this video about Exercise is Medicine TM)

"ACSM's opportunity to close the NASDAQ was a historic moment of recognition for this organization's dedication to physical activity and public health," said Millard-Stafford. "Physical activity is part of the equation contributing to optimal health. Our members' research has proven that fitness improves the health of citizens worldwide in addition to increasing worker productivity and job performance."

Exercise and physical activity have been shown to have powerful preventive and curative effects on numerous chronic conditions, including heart disease, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and more. Studies have also shown that leading a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity decreases absenteeism and improves concentration during work hours.

ACSM has been working with U.S. political leaders to place a greater emphasis on the gains possible for businesses that encourage their employees to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. Following the NASDAQ event, President Obama held a news conference that underscored that worksite wellness programs will be an important part of health care reform legislation that will be considered this summer.

ACSM's remarks and video were featured on the NASDAQ MarketSite Tower, a seven-stories-tall electronic display in Times Square. For more information on the ceremony, or to watch a video featuring commentary on ACSM's leadership in public health from NASDAQ Vice President, David Wicks, click here. (Windows Media Player format.)

The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 35,000 international, national, and regional members and certified professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine.

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American College of Sports Medicine